We had met Kirsty and Matthew at their venue location on a few occasions; we decided to visit the local Bramcote Hills Park for the stunning background setting of their spiral maze and wooded area, perfect for romantic couple photography, creating the stunning wall prints we like to capture.
Through days and weeks of preparation, visiting the venue and the park at the exact time we would be photographing there; to see where the glorious sun would set and the shadows it would cast we gained the knowledge of the layout of both areas and put together a plan for the day.
Their wedding day approached, for an October’s morning, the weather was gratefully warm, the sun shone as if it was the heat of the Summer time and glistened across the treetops, the brightness of the background was stunning with its deep blue skies. The perfect backdrop for any wedding day and today was the day of Kirsty and Matthews Wedding day.
Kirsty and Matthew chose our Platinum wedding package, the best of the best and decided to start their coverage to include Kirstys morning preparations, upon arrival we took a few photographs of the signs and decorations around the house and captured her family, friends and bridesmaids getting ready and having a few glasses of bubbly ready to start the day. We took a few traditional shots in their front garden and then moved on to the stunning bright pink limousine, with the bright pink and deep blue sky behind, it certainly made an easy picture to take!
In advance of the Bride we headed off to the ceremony location, the Belfry Hotel. We arrived at the Belfry Hotel with ample time to set up and capture in a reportage photography style a selection of photographs of the guests, the groom anxiously waiting and steadying his nerves with his friends and family in the bar area, as well as the ceremony room… those finishing touches such as the seat covers, ribbons and floral arrangements. These little touches look beautiful and provide perfect backgrounds for any wedding album so photographs can be merged together to form an everlasting memory of their unique and beautiful day.
The guests took their seats, the Groom stood at the altar before the registrar and framed beautifully with the oval bay window, a lovely photograph to take. The music started and his Bride Kirsty arrived, her stunning wedding dress cradled her figure beautifully, she photographed so well and when her eyes met her Groom Matthews she tearfully took her father’s arm and they glided down the aisle together; towards Matthew and her future life as Husband and Wife.
Throughout their beautiful ceremony we took reportage photographs, and as usual without flash so we were as hidden as possible, not disturbing their special day. And with a kiss their vows were sealed, they joined together as Husband and Wife, in love, heart to heart and side by side, they walked back up the aisle and greeted their friends and family for the celebrations ready to begin.
We headed outside and took the traditional photographs they had requested, using a stepladder to get that height advantage so we could easily capture and see everyone’s faces in the large group shot of all family and friends. Then we whisked the couple away to their local park for an hour, capturing some amazing shots, beautifully framed with the sun setting in the background, casual looking and un-posed it gave them time together away from the hustle and bustle of the day.
We stayed through the speeches and captured a collection of amusing shots, witnessed a number of hilarious moments and of course recorded everything on still digital slr camera’s, bringing to life the story of their whole day from start to finish.
We ended our day with their first dance, a romantic setting with friends and family surrounding the dance floor, entwined together as one they gliding around the floor in love, together and in happiness.
So for such a wonderful day, we would like to thank Kirsty and Matthew and of course each and every guest, it was a great day and they are such a brilliant couple! You made our job easy on the day and included us in your celebrations; we wish you both well for your future move down south!
Attenborough Church is a lovely little Church right in the heart of Attenborough, surrounded by the history and architecture of the village. We have photographed at the Church before and know the layout quite well, it is local to us and proved an easy location to work at enabling us to produce over two hundred creative and artistic photograph’s, the couple were spoilt for choice.
Emma and Craig were our wedding couple of the day, a lovely relaxed couple with a really great bunch of family and friends.
When I arrived Craig was pacing the grounds talking with his Grooms men and greeting the guests that were starting to arrive. After a quick hello I headed inside and set up ready, out of the way with one camera sat on a tripod there to capture the entrance with the Brides arrival, and the other Canon camera strapped round and portable.
I whisked through the Church capturing the little details before the guests entered, such as the order of service, the floral arrangements, ring cushion and wedding rings to name but a few. Then; on to the guests… their family and friends as they arrived chatting with one another, laughing, joking and generally enjoying the day. The perfect time for reportage photography for those natural expressions, real laughter and real enjoyment… all captured on digital slr camera for many years to come, these are the photograph’s that record the memories, the memories of such a beautiful day.
I walked down the winding path to the entrance with the Vicar, capturing Emma’s stunning arrival as her beautiful ivory wedding gown glistened in the warm sensual sunlight on such a beautiful summers day.
With Craig stood at the altar, nervously awaiting her arrival, Emma took her father’s arm and through the grand entrance she gliding around the top corner meeting eyes with her future husband and life partner.
There they stood in front of God, their family and their friends, they took their vows on that day, as beautiful as they were and with one final kiss they sealed their commitment to one another in love, law and life, together as one until death do they part.
After their lovely ceremony we headed to the second garden at the side of the Church and I stood on the wall to capture the grand shot of everyone together, all that went to their ceremony and all that witnessed their commitment.
With a few more all important traditional group photographs taken we were ready to wave off the Bride and Groom, taking a few classic car shots and off we headed to Beeston Fields Golf club.
Upon their arrival we took a few photographs outside the stunning venue, in their soft top classical car. Then we entered in and I went ahead and captured the little things such as the table decorations, Bride and Groom place settings, guest books, card box, the flowers, balloons, and every little thing that they had spent the time in creating was all captured on camera ready for their future album.
A mock cake cutting took place, giving us a number of lovely shots with their three tier cake in their gold and ivory décor. They greeted their guests and in the meantime I wandered the grounds taking reportage photographs to show a natural aspect of the day, recording the real goings on.
Finally we ended with a selection of couple photographs beside the golf course, framing the image with a lovely triangle of tree’s, the perfect wall shot and the perfect end to a perfect day.
Our thanks go to our lovely wedding couple Emma and Craig and to their friends, family and the staff at both venues. On the day they made our job both enjoyable and easy!
One warm summer’s afternoon our wedding couple Joseph and Anthony were to take their vows. After all the preparations and setting up; I arrived at Cleve Lodge with plenty of time to spare, before their ceremony began, having photographed before at this beautiful venue I was well established with the layout, lighting and background opportunities. As always the staff were welcoming and a pleasure to work with; making my job even more enjoyable.
After setting up in the ceremony room, I took the second camera with me to capture the goings on and hustle and bustle of the guests as they came together to welcome and witness Joseph and Anthony joining together as a civil partnership, in law, in love and in life.
Both men were dressed handsomely; suited and booted. They walked down the aisle, the aisle that represented their single lives coming to an end and the embrace of their new lives as civil partners in law and in love. Together hand in hand they joined their hearts, their friends cheered, families’ praised their union and everyone shared in their beautiful day.
Joseph and Anthony took their vows, their vows of love and commitment, to honour and cherish one another and give promise to each other in their beautiful civil partnership.
After all the applause, the laughter and the congratulations we settled outside to take their traditional photographs that they had requested, those of their family and their friends, all together in groups and as one. We produced a number of beautiful photograph’s that truly captured the essence of love in the day, so to Joseph and Anthony and to all of their friends and family we say thank you for giving us the honor of photographing your special day.
On a warm, yet blustery morning we had arranged to photograph our Bride Stacy for her ‘Trash the Dress’ photo shoot.
Trash the Dress is an American sensation that hit the UK with a storm, Brides throughout the Midlands and Nationwide have been looking in to ways to ‘trash their dress’. A few brides literally trash their dresses, paint them and even burn them. However… normally and on this occasion the gorgeous gown had a chance to live once again, be a star for one more day and all with just a little dry-clean afterwards!
Stacy took the limelight gracefully on her Wedding day, August 6th. She wore her dress beautifully and shone for all to see. Yet as the night fell, her gorgeous gown was taken away and packaged for no one to see its beauty, such a shame… So ‘Trash the Dress’ was born, bring out your beautiful dress, let it see the light of day again, feel like an empowered Bride, your married, a Wife and it was an amazing day… now is the time to celebrate!
So many ideas and so many opportunities, we decided on something unique, a little ‘out there’ and extremely creative… A JCB style Trash the Dress shoot!
The day came, equipment packed, cameras at the ready and that Monday afternoon we met Stacy as she once again took centre stage; and this time it was right on top of a JCB! Like a Queen of industry she posed strikingly empowering the shot, creating such wonderful angles, fantastic perspective and with the stunning lighting we were able to not only capture beautiful images but create a whole new reality within it. Then by adding a little photographic magic, a few artistic effects and focusing solely on our newlywed Stacy we were able to create quite a few powerful images…. Take a look below….
This is the story of Stacy & Dan Capewells wedding day, 6th August 2011.
The night before the wedding fell upon us, ready and waiting we inspected all our equipment, went though the idea’s and venue photographs we had taken, kept in touch with a very excited and slightly nervous Stacy. As the night drew in, the day came to a close and the World went to bed, tucked up safely under their cover’s until the Sun dawned on a very special day.
The day I speak of isn’t a normal day, for Stacy and Dan it was ‘their’ day. The sun rose, shimmering across the sky creating a beautifully lit, brightly sparkling wedding day, with a few added glorious clouds to give a dramatic sky backdrop, just what every photographer and wedding couple hope for on the day their vows are spoken.
All packed and ready to go I set off for Castle Donington Church ready to meet Dan the Groom and guests as they arrived. Stacy and Dan had booked myself as their photographer and also invited both Mark and I and our little boy Jak to their evening reception. Upon arrival another wedding party were leaving all happy, smiling from ear to ear and flying confetti everywhere, such a beautiful sight, so emotional and happy for so many people.
I went inside and spoke to a few members of the choir, lovely ladies! Now having grown up in Castle Donington I know the Church quite well, and had attended there on a few occasions as a child. So for me now photographing at Castle Donington Church was like stepping back down memory lane, and I must say the Church is still as impressive as I remember it, the tall arches, the beautifully bright stained glass windows and the glimmering light that floods in creating such beauty in the form of shadows caressing the floor.
Having set up the 50mm on the tripod at the front and using the 18-55 and 70-200 as the walkabout lenses I was set and ready to go. I greeted the groom Dan and his best man, grooms men and ushers and started to photograph the guests as they arrived.
The time came when Stacy and her bridesmaids arrived, stepping out of two stunning sports cars; a Ferrari and an Aston Martin! It was such an amazing surprise that their witnesses Scott and Natalie McKenna sprung on them the night before.
Stacy’s dress lit up and glistened in the lustrous light of summer sun, there she stood a radiant beauty ready to take the path up to the divine Church towards her Groom, who stood at the altar, waiting to be joined by his glorious Bride. I captured a few reportage shots as Stacy began her walk up the path to Castle Donington Church, the reverend greeted her half way and took her forth up the path ready to await the signal to step forth in to her childhood Church.
Silence fell upon the Church, family and friends rose up high, turning eagerly to face the arched door, awaiting their first look of their enchanting Bride.
Silently they smiled as the chosen song; Truly Madly Deeply by Cascada began to play and in glided the Bride, Stacy. Taking a deep breath she smiled and arm in arm with her proud father, they walked beautifully down the aisle together, taking everyone’s breath away. As she turned the corner to see her Groom Dan, their eyes met, hearts touched and there he stood smiling back at her, side by side they stood turning to lock an everlasting gaze.
Capturing the moment I photographed silently throughout their ceremony; reportage style and without intrusion I took their forming memories and created a collection of photograph’s, taken to give them a visual memory of their everlasting day, their everlasting love as Husband and Wife.
The ceremony was beautiful, emotional and sincere, there was so much love in the Church as their family and friends promised to keep the couple safe and be there to guide them along their path. Stacy and Dan remained locked in the moment as they listened to the readings which were so heartfelt, and to the choir as they sang harmoniously together. Gazing in to one another’s eyes; with much happiness, they shed a few tears of the love they felt for one another. Hand in hand they both in turn spoke their vows of marriage in the eyes of God and the Church, and with such powerful everlasting words they reached out to each other, heart to heart, love to love and on that very day they bound their love with their chosen rings, forever and eternally more pronounced as Husband and Wife.
Afterwards Stacy, Dan and their beautiful little girl Sophie went for a wander to an area just behind Castle Donington Church; the area had been pre-chosen when we visited the Church a few weeks before the wedding. It was the perfect little spot for a few couple and close family photographs. I lay down a picnic blanket and they sat together as Husband and Wife, took a moment for themselves, relaxed and played with their little girl. As they spent time together I captured quite a few beautiful photographs and for ten minutes they could step away from the busyness and breathe. I had purposely chosen this area as the Church in Donington sits elegantly in the background and I could frame the photograph with the overhanging branches from two tree’s that stood side by side.
After their little time out, I went back to their guests leaving them to walk together and have a little alone time on the way back. Working with two of the Grooms men we gathered family and friends together to form the traditional photograph’s they had requested, these photographs were easily taken with such a charming backdrop, the Church entrance in Castle Donington.
With one venue photographed, a couple of newlyweds and the day speeding by we set off for their next venue, the reception at Hilton House.
Upon arrival, I ventured in to the reception area whilst everyone else relaxed outside, I spent ten minutes photographing the little things that don’t always get noticed but are the sweetest little touches that take so long to plan but make the wedding so very special. I photographed their wedding favours and table decors and then moved on to their guest book and stunning three tier wedding cake, the design matched their wedding and colour theme perfectly, the cake topper was a beautifully rare Tatty Teddy cake topper of a Bride and Groom.
I then met up with Stacy and Dan and took a few photographs beside their lovely cake. We then ventured outside past the crowd of guests and towards an old, elegant tree, which provided the perfect frame for a few relaxed portrait photographs.
Then we came to the end of our photography. It had been such an enchanting day, an emotional loving day, and their happily ever after.
It may be the end of our photography, but it was the start of our night, we put down the cameras and became guests at their reception, my little boy Jak and Husband Mark joined me and we danced the night away; well my little boy certainly did!
With the end of our blog post for Stacy and Dan’s wedding day I would like to say thank you to both Stacy and Dan, you are such a charming and beautiful couple. It has been a pleasure getting to know you through the course of your wedding planning and of course you and your family and friends were a pleasure to photograph on your special day. Also thank you for the invite, we had a great time and the cake was delicious!
Written by Leanne Findley. Jinx Photography. www.JinxPhotography.co.uk
On the run up to Darron and Julies wedding we visited both of their venues. The first was what appeared as such a splendid little church right in the centre of Attenborough; St. Mary’s Church, Nottingham. You just do not realise the size of the place until you step inside and are transformed through year’s worth of history.
Notably we saw that the Church of Attenborough, Nottingham was beautifully lit and natural light streamed through the high top windows; with such natural light we had a lot more choice in the lenses we could use.
After visiting Attenborough Church; our wedding couple Darron (also a former wedding photographer) and Julie were to have their drinks and photo reception at the University of Nottingham. Now this is one venue we hadn’t photographed at before and were pleasantly surprised. We had pictured a dark lit university streaming with students and signage everywhere guiding people to their classes. However we were happily surprised when Corinne; the wedding co-ordinator showed us around, the architecture was breathtaking and the clock tower would make for such a beautiful shot when the day of their wedding arrived.
Morning broke and the day of the wedding had arrived, the sun shined brightly, blue skies glistened and the fresh wind swirled through the air as the day of the wedding set centre stage. We gathered our gear, prepped ourselves, thoroughly checked through every camera, every lens, battery, card and piece of equipment and kissed our little inspiration; our son Jak goodbye as we set off to the first venue in plenty of time, arriving nice and early.
When we arrived we were told the plans had changed as the Vicar did not want the photographers or videographers near the front. This was a little disheartening as we knew the shots we could have got, the emotions in their faces and love in their eyes, but all being said and done it is the Vicar’s final decision and her church; it would not have been professional of us to challenge it anymore.
So we sat and we re-planned… we knew we could get some amazing shots from the back so counted on capturing those instead, looked at the angles, the lines and perspective and I found myself to much amusement crawling across the floor on many occasions to capture the floor and ceiling shots with the standing groups framing the sides and the aisle directing the eye down the centre of the picture to the all important Bride and Groom.
After a quick re-shuffle in our plans we left each other to cover inside and outside of Attenborough Church. The guests started to arrive alongside the Groom and Grooms men as they waltzed up the path towards the St Mary’s Church. I just so happened to be perched behind a gravestone in a silent stealth reportage mode capturing the general goings on as they walked past happily chattering away and all ready for the ceremony to start.
Attenborough Church had so many features; which we wanted to capture within the pictures and we had our hands full with ideas for photos during the ceremony, even after our slight hiccup in plans earlier. But after all which wedding goes directly to plan? A good wedding photographer should be ready for any snags in the water and paddle their way out and find another bridge across… metaphorically speaking.
When the Bride arrived we were positioned ready to capture her exiting her wedding car; her Father and Bridesmaids assisted her with her veil and guided her stunning dress in to position, ready for the walk down the path to Attenborough Church. The path to her that signifies her last walk as a single woman and a path that she finally takes; gliding towards her future, with her soon to be Husband and life partner, the love of her life, Darron.
As she reached the entrance she took her father’s arm and he took hers as father and daughter walked beautifully down the aisle; taking everyone’s breath away.
During the ceremony we captured the beauty as it unfolded, their love through the vows, the hymns and readings from their family and friends and everyone came together as one to promise to be there for the couple throughout the rest of their days together as Husband and Wife.
The Church bells rang, the crowds cheered and the couple kissed their single lives away.
During the celebrations and chiming of St Mary’s Church bells we set up ready for a few of the all important close family shots they had requested outside of the church entrance; in front of the stunning steeple; everybody said cheese and we moved onwards and upwards; towards the next venue with a little hidden stop on the way.
The hidden stop we had planned with the Bride and Groom was actually a lay-by at the side of the road; it sounded a little strange but provided an amazing back entrance in to the University grounds. The wedding car pulled in and we stepped out and in to the grounds of the University, I ran in front to speak to a few members of the general public who happened to be getting out of a rowing boat at the time, they happily stepped aside for the photograph we had in mind. The Bride and Groom positioned themselves by the lake and the glorious University clock tower formed the stunning backdrop for their photographs. This time for couple photography also gave them a little time together without all the goings on at the wedding, in the meantime the guests were all enjoying the drinks reception over the other side of the lake.
I thoroughly recommend for any wedding photographer’s to stop where we did for a few couple wedding photograph’s, it made such a beautiful shot and one of my favourites from the whole day.
We joined the guests for the drinks reception and got everyone together to cheer the Bride and Groom. I organised everyone so we could see all the happy faces as my Husband Mark disappeared up the stairs to the balcony so he could look down at all of the wedding guests and take a perfect photograph of all eight guests. However just to spice it up a little and get another from a different perspective, we positioned all the guests on the steps in front of the clock tower, it took a little planning but with the clock tower framing the shot it was simply perfect. This photo blown up to a large size is so clear, you can easily see all of your guests and as long as these shots are positioned right then everyone who came to your wedding will be together, in full view and a great photo for any album or wall.
After the traditional photograph’s we mingled with the guests taking a few reportage shots and then headed off with the newlyweds for a few more couple photograph’s beside the side of the lake, but this time from the opposite side to capture more natural photograph’s of the couple with the beautiful calm lake in the background and beside a lovely tree which framed the image so well.
What a beautiful day, what a lovely couple and their wedding guests were very friendly and easy to work with, the photograph’s came out really well and once processed; usually within one to two weeks the couple will have each and every one of them to form a collection of memories to look back on for all days, as Husband and Wife.
So, thank you to Darron and Julie for choosing us to photograph your beautiful wedding, we hope we have done it justice and we must say a big thank you to all the wedding guests to for their participation in the photographs and helping us pull together some beautiful shots.
Many thanks,
Mark & Leanne Findley. Jinx Photography www.JinxPhotography.co.uk
Katie and Dan were married at Kelham Church in Newark and held their reception at Holme Pierrepont Hall. As usual we went along to visit the venues, photographing and checking the lighting, backgrounds, angles and every other little detail to ensure we were fully prepped for the day.
The night before we packed all the camera and lighting equipment ready, double checking the usual… batteries, cards, lighting, lenses and of course the Canon cameras! The night drew in, the skies darkened and the World slept through another night.
Kelham Church, Newark
The next morning the rising sun glistened through the rose curtains, we set off towards the Church ready to meet the groom Dan and guests as they arrived. As usual we set off early; today was the day we were grateful for our early timing, we hoped to hit a nearby take out venue for breakfast on the way… however it just so happens today was the day the traffic piled up and an accident had taken place on the road we travelled on; causing tailbacks. What should have took 45 minutes took two hours, so no time for breakfast but we still arrived in plenty of time all ready and geared up to photograph the guests arriving and the natural aspects of the day unfolding before our eyes.
Katie & her Father walking down the aisle
Upon arrival we were met near the entrance by one of the organisers who was rapidly running around lighting candles; this is because the night before a tremendous storm had broke and lightening had struck the church; actually at a few minutes to midnight as well. This unfortunate event actually turned out to be a blessing as the candlelight gave such a beautiful and romantic setting; perfect for Katie to glide down the aisle to.
The only slight problem for us was the use of candle light in a darkened church, as usual though we carry low light lenses and a manfrotto tripod… always a handy back up for situations such as these and where the use of flash is prohibited. I positioned myself up at the top of the church behind the Reverend ready for Katie’s arrival, my husband Mark; also the second photographer photographed the outside when the Bride, her father and her bridesmaids arrived in their glamorous gangster style classic cars. The organ was replaced by a keyboard and the music began to play as the Bride made her breathtaking entrance with her stunning fishtail gown swishing beside her feet, with arms interlocked with her fathers and bridesmaids in tow; she turned the corner, and the grooms eyes met hers as she met him at the altar and the ceremony began.
Katie's Father giving her hand in marriage
During which Mark silently captured the reportage photographs of the guests, the atmosphere and the beautiful couple as they wed hand in hand as husband and wife. I captured the close up photographs on the tripod hiding where the choir usually stand; capturing Katie and Dan as they smiled and took each other’s hands and spoke the vows of marriage in the eyes of God and the Church and were pronounced Husband and Wife.
Blessing of their union
One part of our job that I love, and there are many to choose from, is when the Bride and Groom speak their vows, the vow of love and commitment; it always brings me back to my own wedding and every wedding I have the honour in photographing, it is a constant reminder of the love my Husband and I share for one another; and it’s simply beautiful.
The happy couple
Just Married!
After the wedding we travelled to Holme Pierrepont Hall, such a stunning location, so grand and full of history, the architecture alone is not only impressive but breathtaking, definitely a venue I would recommend to couples and the staff were lovely and could have a laugh; always important when you’re working alongside one another. Katie had said that she didn’t even notice we were there at the Church, which is fantastic as we always try to stay as well hidden as possible; so we do not disturb the day in any way.
On the way to Holme Pierrepont Hall
On the wedding car
At Holme Pierrepont Hall
At Holme Pierrepont Hall we captured a few of the traditional shots for their family albums; including a photo of everyone in the garden from the second floor window. As well as making use of the beautiful courtyard flower garden for those all important wedding party photographs. After which we headed off with the groom Dan and his groomsmen and photographed them walking towards the camera using the trees to frame the photo, great perspective; especially when taken whilst lying on the ground… the positions you get in to for photography always adds a little amusement to the shoot!
The Groom Dan & his Grooms men
We also captured the Bride Katie and her Bridesmaids gliding down the long lawn towards the camera and at the top of the garden; at the top end there is a little hidden gem… a beautiful old swing swinging away from the branch of a tall tree, the perfect setting for a few bridal photo’s and couple shots.
Bridal photography on the swing
We ended the day inside the hall and on the elegant staircase, photographing the couple with the light from the window as a natural backlight and a speedlight held high to light the side and one as a hair light. We find on camera lighting to be a little 2D, take it off the camera and you can create some stunning shots.
Katie & Dan on the swing
So the end to a wonderful day, another beautiful wedding and another set of photograph’s to bring memories back to the newlyweds for many years to come. Thank you Katie and Dan, it was a pleasure and an honour being a part of your special day.
I cannot remember who wrote this beautiful quotation about photography, but it is a beautiful one, one which should be shared…
“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”
Our photography blog includes write up's of our recent weddings including the story of their day, photograph's and much more.
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www.JinxPhotography.co.uk
Through days and weeks of preparation, visiting the venue and the park at the exact time we would be photographing there; to see where the glorious sun would set and the shadows it would cast we gained the knowledge of the layout of both areas and put together a plan for the day.
The guests took their seats, the Groom stood at the altar before the registrar and framed beautifully with the oval bay window, a lovely photograph to take. The music started and his Bride Kirsty arrived, her stunning wedding dress cradled her figure beautifully, she photographed so well and when her eyes met her Groom Matthews she tearfully took her father’s arm and they glided down the aisle together; towards Matthew and her future life as Husband and Wife.
